“We all share the disappointment that the players union turned down an excellent deal and has instead decided to litigate,” Wayne Weaver said. “I am in full agreement with the NFL and the other Clubs that the NFL had no practical choice after these actions except to lock out the players. It is my belief that an agreement on a new CBA will be reached and that we will play football this fall.

“We can expect some confusion and frustration over the next few weeks. However, as the courts deal with these issues, I am encouraged that [mediator] Mr. [George] Cohen and his colleagues at the Mediation Service are willing to facilitate further negotiations, and hope that those negotiations will start again sooner rather than later.”